Thread: New Kid on the Forums

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  1. #1 New Kid on the Forums 
    SE Level Member wakkamis's Avatar
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    Hello all, I'm /\/ick.

    Just wanted to introduce myself (tell a long ass winded story about car buying frustrations) and shoot off a couple questions. I'm a complete n00b when it comes to car mechanics. I've read a bunch of threads on this forum and forums like this(used to hang out at a Bonneville forum) that list out mods done to their vehicles and I never know what the mod is our what it dose. (in it for the pictures) Now is probably the best time to learn, and here's why:

    (Long ass winded Story)
    I just got an orange(I love orange!) 04 gtp, comp g with the tap shift and red calipers, a couple months ago. I wanted to get this car back in 04 when it first came out but ended up getting a 2k Bonneville ssei due to affordability. The Bonneville was a great car but became too expensive to fix once the transmission died. Then, while it was in figuring out what was up with the transmission, we learned it started having the coolant mixing with oil issue that my wife's 03' Grand Am had as well as my parents Rendezvous. Along with other issues like rust around the gas door and a leaky sun roof I decided it was time for a new car. (We are down to one car at this point as we had gotten rid of the Grand Am after the oil / coolant mixing issue came up for the 2nd time. Damn you Dex-Cool!)


    So I jumped on Autotrader to look up orange Grand Piix gtp's and found 2 in Illinois (I live about 40 miles west of chicago.) one in Wisconsin and one in Iowa. The two in Illinois ended up in the same small chain of stores that promised to bring the vehicle to the location nearest you. When we pulled up to the tiny lot (an Saturday) I did not see a single orange car on the lot. They had assured me that they would find the vehicle and get it there.. Four hours later (and I had tried to leave multiple times!) both cars were sold on different lots. as well as every other car i wanted to look at that weekend.The other GTP in Wisconson, a black 04 Bonneville GXP, A white 02 Bonneville ssei, a Black 07 Grand Prix GXP, and even some silver Cadillac CTS that was barely on the list.. We called the store in Iowa to see if that one was still there and it was. Decided to just go out there Sunday and get it because I didnt want to be stuck with the rental car for another week (maybe longer?) as I'm pretty picky about my cars! We found the car had been through a couple scrapes from a Carfax report but I wanted to go anyway.


    So we drove out to the middle of Iowa Sunday night. Even checked the lot before heading to the hotel to make sure the damn thing was still there! The next morning it snowed a good deal so I couldn't really get on it during the test drive. First thing we noticed when they pulled it up was how loud it was! The sales guy told us they modded the exhaust, something he said he wouldn't have done. The sales guy also told us that the dealership replaced the alternator. Ended up picking it up thinking we could probably do something about the exhaust later.


    Got it back home and swapped the wheels form the Bonneville as we had just gotten new tires about a month before the trans died. Brought it into the locale auto shop to have it looked over. They told me a lot had been done to the car. The engine had been rebuilt, new air filter intake, the entire engine mount was reinforced with aluminium, the exhaust and even the head lights were not stock. They tried hooking it up to their computer but I guess they couldn't get any readings. They are wondering if there is an aftermarket computer in the car.. Some issues they said that the idle seemed to be up too high and it seemed to be eating up more gas than it needed to be.


    This is definitely a fun car! Some things i miss form the Bonneville are the sunroof, the climate control, the seats, and a little bit of that extra room! The Grand Prix is still a big car, but the Bonneville was just that much bigger. Also feel that the gas tank on the Grand Prix seems small. The sticker says the tank should be around 17 gal but we have only gotten about 15.5 out of it. The Bonneville had an 18+ gal tank, so that's kind of what I'm basing it off of.

    (Questions)
    So I guess to my questions(Finally!)


    How can I tell if my cars computer is an aftermarket thing? Is there something I should look at or somewhere I can bring it?


    We are just dealing with the exhaust setup and the noise. Seem to have gotten used to it over the past couple months. The worrisome thing is, are the emissions laws between Illinois and Iowa the same, or different? Would this car pas an emissions test in Illinois? I'm guessing the computer might have to be "fixed" as well before getting an emissions test.


    I know this car was 260 hp stock. With all the stuff done to it, and I'm not even sure to what extent that is, I would like to fins out where I'm sitting now.


    If the gas tank was modded, why would you put a smaller tank on?


    As for any of my own mods I would like to do to it, probably a ram air hood! I think those look slick. (mostly because I don't really know what other mods been done to it or what any other mods do. :/ But willing to learn!)

    (Pics!)
    And as a reward for reading through all that crap, or even scrolling through all that crap, pictures!


    Just got it home and before the wheel swap. Crappy weather and already salt covered :/


    My two beasts..


    The stare down


    After the wheel swap on some other crappy day.


    In the air for a break job. Breaks were pretty shot on it.


    Reinforced engine mount?


    Random chain on the exhaust?


    Under the hood. First time I had looked under the hood since i had gotten it.. maybe a month later.. I know.. I'm smrt...

    Well thanks for stopping by. Hope to learn a few things and maybe even get my hands dirty myself!
    Last edited by wakkamis; 06-22-2013 at 11:18 AM. Reason: Ease of use
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  2. #2 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    It looks lowered in the first few pictures.

    Looks like the cat converter may have been taken out with the custom exhaust along with the resonator. With both those missing, the exhaust is going to be loud.

    Is the SES light on still?? If so check to see if the CIG lighter fuse is blown, if it is the OBD 2 port for reading codes will not work.

    It also has a wizard air intake system and horrible MSD coil packs. I can't tell if the supercharger pulley has been touched in that picture or if the car has aftermarket headers/powerlog/downpipe.

    SMGPFC Member #1
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  3. #3 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GXP Level Member txslow6's Avatar
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    Welcome. I see a wizair intake, some exhaust, MSD wires, and ****ty MSD coils. I didn't read your novel and just skimmed though it. Welcome.
    85 Corvette
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  4. #4 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    I live here. MoarkatsINmuhtrailer's Avatar
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    It definitely has a smaller pulley.. Looks to be an MPS 3.4 or 3.5.
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  5. #5 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
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    Damn, idk if I would have bought a modded car like that
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  6. #6 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    SE Level Member wakkamis's Avatar
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    Fivefingerdeathpunch: (G.I.R. Rocks!) Yeah it feels lowered! I could drive up next to the Bonneville and pretty much squeak the side mirror underneath the Bonneville's.
    We do get a service engine soon light after the car has been sitting idle for a while. The cigarette lighter outlet still has power to it though. I was looking up
    obd2 elm327 in order to get readings out on an android device. Not sure if this would tell me what type of computer is in the car though.
    Do you recommend replacing the coil packs? Why are the MSD ones bad? Which ones are good? I looked up a video on how to replace them. looks like something I could do!

    txslow6: lol no worries on not reading that block of text! Happy to be here, hoping to learn and already have started to. Gotta find out whats up with these coil packs.

    MoarkatsINmuhtrailer: Thanks for the heads up on the pulley.

    camopaint0707: Heh, yeah. I had no idea it would be that far modded. I didn't even open the hood myself until a couple weeks after i had gotten it. The only thing I would have noticed was the custom air filter box.

    So far the auto place I have taken it to has gotten the computer reading with all sorts of error codes. They replaced the tube between the air filter to the engine due to the old one having holes in it. They asked if I knew what the computer was in it, to which I have no clue. Been trying to figure that out and that's kind of how I ended up here.

    Will get more pics of the engine up along with anything else you guys would be curious to see.

    Thanks for dropping by and for helping me figure this thing out!
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  7. #7 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GT Level Member atj8's Avatar
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    MSD suck! get some stock coils.....Stock coils have more power output than MSD's...and tend to not crap out on you after 3 months...waste of money...and oh and welcome!!
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  8. #8 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GXP Level Member txslow6's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by camopaint0707 View Post
    Damn, idk if I would have bought a modded car like that
    ^ Disregard this guy he's the token annoying guy on this forum.

    You will find this forum for the most part informative. A lot of people have had issues with MSD coils that's why most don't recommend them. With that being said my buddy has them on his 01 and has no issues. What's your overall goal?
    85 Corvette
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  9. #9 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    SE Level Member wakkamis's Avatar
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    Never did get a chance to grab more photos of the engine this weekend. Will have to try later.

    atj8: Any place you recommend getting the coil packs from? I checked out the zzp site and saw some standard ones for about 20 each. Then the have the zzp pack for 120.

    txslow6: Heh, I just read into it as an honest opinion. Sarcasm is completely lost on the internet. My goal right now is to find out how to tell if I have an aftermarket computer and get any information on that. Overall would be to figure out all that has been done to the car and to learn enough so that I sound like I know what I'm talking about.
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  10. #10 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GTP Level Member LeadfootCJ7's Avatar
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    Nice ride.
    2007 Grand Prix GXP;2002 Camaro Z28 - tune, CAI, and exhaust
    2006 GMC 2500HD - ATS high flow manifolds and uppipes, turbo back exhaust, blocked EGR, Denali headlights, Reflexxion Cown Hood
    1994 Olds Cutlass Supreme 2 door
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  11. #11 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    SE Level Member wakkamis's Avatar
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    Here are a few more shots of the engine. They didn't come out the clearest.. Think I would have better shots over the weekend during the day.





    And any idea what this is for?


    Also forgot to mention that the mechanic I brought it to told me they replaced the starter with one that he really liked. Though I cannot remember if the mechanic told me the name of it or not.

    LeadfootCJ7: Thanks!
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  12. #12 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    Modded for Maximum Slow burgundybullet's Avatar
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    Looks like some sort of antenna wire to me. I had one in my old wagon very similar to that for a CB radio.


    NIce looking ride and welcome!


    1978 Oldmobile Cutlass Cruiser (crushed)
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  13. #13 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GXP Level Member GrandPrix06GT's Avatar
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    Definitely a smaller pulley and no headers or plog it's looking like..check the size by the side of the pulley where it says zzperformance. Def get a tool for scanning kr, whether it be a $230 aeroforce or $5 torque app n $20 elm 327 bt adapter.
    2006 GT - SD Headers, Overkill, 3.4, ZZP FSIC, Retrofit, Borla Pro XS-DD 09 G8 GT MGM, Kooks Mids Headers, Rotofab, MagnaFlow Exhaust, 3.5" Solo Performance Tips, VMS Tune, 20" Camaros, Quad Retrofit w. Amber Halos, MM CF Grilles, Gxp Diffuser, Red/Onyx Seats & Shifter
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  14. #14 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    SE Level Member wakkamis's Avatar
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    burgundybullet: I did pick this thing up in Iowa so a CB radio would not be surprising.


    GrandPrix06GT: Not sure what a Plog is.. I will check the pulley size when I get a chance. I had been looking up the obd2 elm327 bluetooth adapter on amazon.. may as well just pick one of these up as well as the torque app. Not sure what scanning kr means. Will the bluetooth adapter be able to give me any specs on the computer?
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  15. #15 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    I live here. Below Average Joe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sven The Sexman View Post
    Bill had a major role in all of the Star Wars movies; he was the force.
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  16. #16 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    Killa Bee Scottydoggs's Avatar
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    98 Buick Regal GS, F body brakes, Caddy STS wheels, tinted tails L36 bottom end, lightly ported heads, 1.95 roller rockers, headers, gen 5 N* 3.0 pulley, FSIC, 42 lb injectors, a BrandonHall rebuilt trans, DHP tuned and AEM water/Meth injection https://goo.gl/gpV5kW
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  17. #17 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GXP Level Member GrandPrix06GT's Avatar
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    Man everyone is so nice on here! Haha everything they gave ya is what you'll need. As far as the elm 327 and backing up to computer, I don't know. I did buy one before I got my aeroforce, however I haven't useD it much since but it's well worth it instead of paying $230+
    2006 GT - SD Headers, Overkill, 3.4, ZZP FSIC, Retrofit, Borla Pro XS-DD 09 G8 GT MGM, Kooks Mids Headers, Rotofab, MagnaFlow Exhaust, 3.5" Solo Performance Tips, VMS Tune, 20" Camaros, Quad Retrofit w. Amber Halos, MM CF Grilles, Gxp Diffuser, Red/Onyx Seats & Shifter
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  18. #18 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GTX Level Member Travisgt2's Avatar
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    the wire is just a wire ive got the same thing you ve also got the same wire in the back deck were your rear spearkers are no one really knows what it is. also the car has deffinatly been lowered some mine doesnt sit that low. Another thing stock gas tank is 16 gallons so getting 15.5 in means u was super low!!!
    04 GT2: 180 t-stat, cold air intake, reptile tune, plog, hv3, gt1 cam, 90#springs, new push rods, new lifters, port polished heads, lim, uim and tb, 06 Impala brakes and steel brake lines. Cosmetic: black roof rails, under glow, Pontiac ground light, blue hud dic radio controls and cluster. To come custom hood.
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  19. #19 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    GTX Level Member Travisgt2's Avatar
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    just got this from google

    In Illinois, a vehicle emissions test is required every two years for many original registrations, as well as for annual registration renewals. Renewal notices are sent annually to vehicle owners, and indicate whether and by what date an emissions test must be completed.
    VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN EMISSIONS TEST

    A vehicle requires an emissions test when:

    1. It is a 1996 model or newer and is four years or older.
    2. It runs on gasoIine and is passenger vehicle.
    3. It is a light or heavy duty truck or bus.
    04 GT2: 180 t-stat, cold air intake, reptile tune, plog, hv3, gt1 cam, 90#springs, new push rods, new lifters, port polished heads, lim, uim and tb, 06 Impala brakes and steel brake lines. Cosmetic: black roof rails, under glow, Pontiac ground light, blue hud dic radio controls and cluster. To come custom hood.
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  20. #20 Re: New Kid on the Forums 
    SE Level Member wakkamis's Avatar
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    Below Average Joe: Thanks for the link! So from what I gather, you either use a plog or you use the header?

    Scottydoggs: Thanks! I was curious as to what was with the knock retard. I just hadn't put that acronym together. I know i will have to go over that post a few more times before I actually "get it".

    GrandPrix06GT: Thats why I'm here. So far everyone has been great and I'm learning quite a bit. I didn't mean backing up any info into my computer. I was wondering if I could get any info on the car's computer from the obd2 adapter and torque app. Mostly I am trying to find out how to tell if there is an aftermarket computer in the car.

    Travisgt2: Thanks for the confirmation on the tank size. Sure do feel the difference in gas tank size from the Bonneville to the GP. And I knew we would need an emissions test. I was just wondering if the vehicle would pass the test. I'm kind of guessing not. At least from the info you posted I think I have some time to get it fixed.. de-modded.. ?
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